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Losing your ATM card or having it stolen can be scary. But you don’t always need to visit a bank branch to block it. In Nigeria, many banks provide USSD codes that let you block your ATM / debit card quickly using your phone. This article shows you everything: what it means to block a card, when you should do it, step‑by‑step how to block your card using USSD, bank‑by‑bank codes, pros & cons, examples, comparison, FAQs, and more.

What Does “Block ATM Card” Mean & Why It’s Important

• When you block your ATM card, the bank stops that card from being used for any withdrawals, POS transactions, online payments, or other types of debit transactions. It is like turning off the card so no one can use it.

• This action protects your money if the card is lost, stolen, or compromised (someone saw your PIN, or you suspect fraud).

Difference Between Blocking, Hot‑listing, Deactivating & Suspending

• Blocking / Hot‑listing: same idea — card is disabled so it cannot be used.

• Deactivating: similar; sometimes reversible.

• Suspending: temporary block; you may re‑activate later.

• Permanent vs Temporary Block: Depending on bank policy, block may be temporary (until you request a new card or unblock) or more permanent (destroyed, reissuance needed).

Why Blocking Your ATM Card via USSD Is Useful

• Speed: USSD is fast; you can do it anytime from your phone.

• No Internet Required: Good for people who don’t have mobile data or reliable internet.

• Convenience: You don’t have to travel to branch, no long waiting.

• Security: Prevents unauthorized transactions immediately.

What Conditions / Information You Must Have Before Using USSD to Block ATM Card

Before you try to block your ATM card using USSD, make sure you have these ready:

1. Registered phone number: The phone number must be the one your bank has on record for the account linked to the ATM card. USSD codes usually work only from that number.

2. USSD PIN: The 4‑digit or 5‑digit PIN you normally use for USSD banking (or mobile banking), if required.

3. Card details or account number: Sometimes, you need to input the ATM card number (or last digits) or your account number. Have that available.

4. Identity verification information: If the bank’s USSD flow asks security questions, you may need your name, date of birth, or other info.

5. Sufficient airtime or credit: USSD service may require some small USSD fee; ensure your phone has enough credit or airtime.

Step‑by‑Step Process: How to Block Your ATM Card Using USSD

Here is a general flow you can follow to block your ATM or debit card using USSD for most Nigerian banks. The exact code differs by bank.

Step 1 – Identify the USSD Code for Your Bank

Every bank has its own USSD code for blocking cards or restricting debit transactions. Some codes are standard, others custom. For example:

• Access Bank: 901911#

• Zenith Bank: 966911#

• FCMB: 329911#

• First Bank: 894911#

• GTBank: 73751*74#

• UBA: 919911#

Make sure you confirm the correct USSD code from your bank’s website, app, or customer care, since codes may change or vary by region.

Step 2 – Dial the USSD Code from Your Registered Number

• Open the phone dialer on your phone.

• Dial the USSD code for your bank (e.g. 966911# for Zenith) exactly.

• Make sure you’re using the SIM (phone) registered with the bank.

Step 3 – Follow the Menu Prompts

• After dialing, the USSD menu should appear. It may ask you to choose an option such as “Card Services”, “Hotlist Card”, “Block Card”, “Stop Debit Transactions”, etc.

• Select the correct option. Usually the name will be “Block Card” or “Block ATM / Debit Card” or similar.

Step 4 – Provide Required Information

• The USSD flow may ask you to enter your account number or last digits of your ATM card.

• It may ask for your USSD PIN to confirm identity.

• Other security verification (e.g. last transaction, date of birth) might be required.

Step 5 – Confirm the Block

• After entering all required data, the system will usually ask you to confirm that you want to block the card.

• Once you confirm, the block is applied. You should get an SMS showing that your ATM card has been blocked.

Step 6 – Check That the Card Is Blocked

• Try using the ATM card at ATM, POS, or online – it should not work.

• Check in your bank app / internet banking to see whether card status is “blocked”, “hotlisted”, or “deactivated”.

• If you get a confirmation message from the bank (SMS/email), that is proof.

Bank‑by‑Bank USSD Codes & Examples

Here are USSD codes and examples for some of the major Nigerian banks. Use the code for your bank.

These codes are working at time of writing; banks can change them, so always double‑check with your bank if you’re unsure.

Pros, Cons & Limitations of USSD Blocking vs Other Methods

Pros of Using USSD to Block ATM Card

• Immediate action: Can block quickly, often immediately after confirmation.

• Works without internet: Important especially where mobile data is expensive or unreliable.

• Accessible from anywhere: As long as your phone network is working and you have that registered phone number.

• Less dependence on bank branches: You don’t need to travel or queue.

Cons

• If your phone number is changed and bank has old number, USSD may not recognise you.

• USSD menu complexity: sometimes confusing prompts. If you pick wrong option, might block account instead of just card.

• Small USSD fees or charges may apply depending on bank (though usually very small).

• Some banks may require additional verification, meaning you still may need to visit branch or use app.

• Risk of scams: fraudulent USSD codes or phishing – ensure you are using official bank code.

Comparisons: USSD Blocking vs App / Internet Banking / Customer Care

Real Examples & Case Scenarios

Here are a few example scenarios showing how blocking via USSD works in real life.

Example 1: Lost ATM Card – Zenith Bank

Muhammad lost his Zenith Bank ATM card. He remembered the USSD code 966911#.

• He dials 966911# from his phone registered with Zenith.

• He sees menu with options: “Account Services”, “Card Services”, “Block Card”.

• He selects “Block Card”, enters his ATM card number (or last 4 digits), enters his USSD PIN.

• He gets an SMS: “Your Zenith ATM / debit card ending **** has been blocked. For replacement, visit branch or use app.”

Because he acted early, no one could use his card for transactions after the block.

Example 2: First Bank – Suspicious Transactions

Blessing saw strange transactions on her account via POS. She quickly blocks using USSD.

• She knows her USSD code for First Bank is 894911#.

• Dials the USSD code, selects card block / stop debit option, confirms.

• After the block, she calls customer care to confirm, checks account activity.

She also orders a replacement card via her bank app.

Example 3: Multiple Cards Linked – FCMB

If someone has two ATM/debit cards on same FCMB account (e.g. one old, one new) and loses one, they can block only the lost card.

• They dial 329911# (FCMB USSD).

• They choose “Card Management” > “Block Card” > choose which of the two cards.

• Block is confirmed via SMS. Only that card is blocked; other card still works.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid When Blocking ATM Card via USSD

Here are mistakes people often make and tips on how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Using Wrong Phone Number

If your SIM/phone number is not the one registered with the bank, USSD code will fail or bank will not accept commands.

Fix: Always use registered phone. If you changed your number, update the bank’s record first.

Mistake 2: Dialling Wrong USSD Code

Sometimes people dial a wrong or old USSD code. Maybe bank updated code.

Fix: Confirm code from bank’s website or trusted source. Don’t use codes from random posts unless confirmed.

Mistake 3: Entering Wrong Card Number or Last Digits

When bank asks for card number / account number, entering wrong digits causes block to fail (or block wrong card).

Fix: Have your card/account details accurately. Only input partial info if prompt asks last 4 digits.

Mistake 4: Forgetting USSD PIN

If you don’t remember USSD PIN or mis‑type, block will not go through or will be rejected.

Fix: Keep your USSD PIN safe. If forgotten, reset via bank’s USSD or app / branch before block.

Mistake 5: Not Confirming Block or Not Checking Status

After you complete steps, you may assume it’s blocked but it may not be if verification fails.

Fix: Wait for confirmation (SMS or app message). Try small transaction (POS or use card) to test.

What Happens After Blocking Your ATM Card

Card Is Disabled for All Debit Transactions

• ATM withdrawals will not work.

• POS / point‑of‑sale card payments will fail.

• Online payments using that card will not go through.

Notifications

• Bank should send you SMS (or email) letting you know your card has been blocked.

• You may receive messages about any pending transactions that got stopped.

Replacing the Card

• You will need a new ATM / debit card to continue using those services. Banks usually charge a replacement fee.

• The bank may ask you to visit a branch or use app to order new card.

Possible Fees or Charges

• Blocking itself may be free or have a small USSD fee.

• Getting a replacement card will likely have cost.

Summary Table Before Conclusion

Here is a summary table showing the key information at a glance: methods, required items, speed, pros/cons.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 10+ questions people often ask with clear answers.

1. Can I block my ATM card via USSD if I lose my phone?
   If you lose your phone, and your phone number is tied to your bank account, someone else might misuse USSD if they have SIM. So blocking via USSD might still be possible, but be careful. It’s better to contact your bank directly to block the card and also block USSD services on your account if needed.

2. What if I don’t know my USSD code for my bank?
   You can check your bank’s official website, ask customer care, or search on your bank’s app. Don’t trust unknown sources blindly; verify via your bank to avoid wrong codes.

3. Will blocking via USSD block the account too?
   Usually no. Blocking ATM card blocks only transactions from that card. But some USSD codes combine options; you must select “Block Card / Stop Debit via card” not “Block Account.” Be careful when choosing options in menu.

4. Is blocking via USSD reversible?
   Yes in many banks, you can unblock or request new card. But blocking might be permanent for that physical card; you’ll need a new issued card. Some banks allow temporary unblock via app or branch.

5. Are there charges for blocking my ATM card via USSD?
   Usually the block itself has no big fee; there might be a small USSD charge (a few Naira). Replacement card will usually cost more. It depends on bank policy.

6. If someone steals my card and use it before I block, can I get my money back?
   You should report quickly. The bank may investigate. If you’ve done the block fast and can prove unauthorized transactions, sometimes banks refund or reverse fraudulent transactions. But earlier reporting helps.

7. What if my card is blocked but I still see pending transactions?
   Pending transactions already initiated before block might still process, depending on bank and where they were initiated. Monitor account and communicate with bank.

8. Does USSD blocking work during network downtime or system maintenance?
   It depends. If USSD service is disrupted, perhaps not. In that case, use bank app, call customer care, or visit branch.

9. What if the USSD code prompts are confusing or wrong?
   Banks sometimes change menus. If prompts are unclear, end the session, contact customer care. Do not enter sensitive info into unknown prompts. Use bank’s official guidance.

10. Can I block only POS or online use of card, leaving ATM withdrawal possible?
    Some banks may offer partial block (block only online / POS but allow ATM), but many USSD codes block all debit functions of the card. Check with your bank if partial block is possible.

11. How long until the block takes effect?
    Usually immediately or within minutes after confirmation. Sometimes might take a short while (SMS confirmation lag), but card should become inactive quickly.

12. What if I block the wrong card by mistake?
    Contact bank immediately. They may unblock that card or issue a new card. However, if the mistake persists, you may need to visit branch for resolution.

13. After blocking, how do I get a replacement card?
    Use bank’s app, website or visit branch. Some banks deliver new cards to your address; others require you pick up. There may be charges.

Safety Tips & Best Practices

• Memorize your USSD PIN; do not write it down where others can see.

• Use USSD only from your SIM/phone registered with bank. Avoid letting others use it.

• Keep your bank’s USSD codes and customer care numbers saved; get them from official sources.

• Regularly monitor your bank statements for unusual activity.

• Report lost or stolen card immediately — don’t wait.

• Use alert SMS / email to get notifications of debit transactions.

Conclusion

Blocking your ATM / debit card via USSD in Nigeria is often the fastest and simplest way to protect your money when your card is lost, stolen, or compromised. You just need your registered phone, USSD code for your bank, and some basic verification info.

Make sure you know your bank’s correct USSD code, use it correctly (choose “block card”, not “block account” if you only want to disable the card), confirm via SMS, and follow up to get replacement card if needed. Always act quickly in emergencies.